Willy Adler, 93, of Charleston, South Carolina, widower of Irma Sachs Adler, died Friday, December 27, 2013. His funeral service will be Monday, December 30, 2013, in Synagogue Emanu-EL at 3:00 pm. Burial following will be in Emanu-EL Cemetery (Maryville). Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL.
Willy was born May 26, 1920 in Hamburg, Germany, son of the late Max Adler and Bertha Teller Adler. He was the retired owner of Artie's Place, New York City. Mr. Adler was a Holocaust survivor, an Army Veteran of WWII, a member of Synagogue Emanu-EL and an active volunteer with the Jewish Community Center.
He is survived by his two daughters: Lauri Bailey of Charleston, SC and Vicki Bogart of Atlanta, GA; son, Roger B. Adler (Renee) of Brooklyn, NY; five grandchildren: Aimee Adler, Jessica Dombek, Melissa Bierwag, Matthew Bailey and Kristin Bailey; and nine great-grandchildren: Julia, Makayla, Bo, Jack, Haylee, Jake, Carley, Ruby and Talia.
Willy was loved by so many people, most likely due to his positive attitude and generous spirit. "Every day is a gift", he was fond of saying, and he imparted this philosophy of gratitude to everyone he met. He looked for the best in people. The lessons we have learned from his life will be with us throughout ours, and we will always be thankful that we had the kind of father who loved us for who we are and encouraged us to be the best we could be, without judgment.
Willy was predeceased by brother, David Adler.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Charleston Jewish Community Center, 1645 Raoul Wallenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407.